Clayton County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 33°32′N84°22′W / 33.54°N 84.36°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Georgia |
Founded | November 30, 1858 |
Named for | Augustin Smith Clayton |
Seat | Jonesboro |
Largest city | Forest Park |
Area | |
• Total | 144 sq mi (370 km2) |
• Land | 142 sq mi (370 km2) |
• Water | 2.8 sq mi (7 km2) 1.9% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 297,595 |
• Estimate (2023) | 298,300 |
• Density | 2,101/sq mi (811/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional districts | 5th, 13th |
Website | claytoncountyga.gov |
Clayton County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 297,595 by the U.S. Census Bureau. [1] The county seat is Jonesboro. [2]
Clayton County is one of the core counties of the Atlanta metropolitan area, and it is the fifth most-populous county in the state. It is the home of most of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, [3] the busiest airport in the world by total passengers. [4]
The county was established in 1858 and named in honor of Augustin Smith Clayton (1783–1839), who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1832 until 1835. [5]
Clayton County was a battle site during the American Civil War, with the Battle of Jonesborough and the Battle of Lovejoy's Station taking place in the area.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 144 square miles (370 km2), of which 142 square miles (370 km2) is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) (1.9%) is water. [6] It is the third-smallest county by area in Georgia.
The eastern portion of Clayton County, between Forest Park and Lovejoy, is located in the Upper Ocmulgee River sub-basin of the Altamaha River basin. The western portion of the county is located in the Upper Flint River sub-basin of the ACF River Basin (Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin). [7]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 4,466 | — | |
1870 | 5,477 | 22.6% | |
1880 | 8,027 | 46.6% | |
1890 | 8,295 | 3.3% | |
1900 | 9,598 | 15.7% | |
1910 | 10,453 | 8.9% | |
1920 | 11,159 | 6.8% | |
1930 | 10,260 | −8.1% | |
1940 | 11,655 | 13.6% | |
1950 | 22,872 | 96.2% | |
1960 | 46,365 | 102.7% | |
1970 | 98,043 | 111.5% | |
1980 | 150,357 | 53.4% | |
1990 | 182,052 | 21.1% | |
2000 | 236,517 | 29.9% | |
2010 | 259,424 | 9.7% | |
2020 | 297,595 | 14.7% | |
2023 (est.) | 298,300 | [8] | 0.2% |
U.S. Decennial Census [9] 1790-1880 [10] 1890-1910 [11] 1920-1930 [12] 1930-1940 [13] 1940-1950 [14] 1960-1980 [15] 1980-2000 [16] 2010 [17] 2020 [18] |
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 [19] | Pop 2010 [17] | Pop 2020 [18] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 82,637 | 36,610 | 25,902 | 34.94% | 14.11% | 8.70% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 120,816 | 169,020 | 205,301 | 51.08% | 65.15% | 68.99% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 545 | 562 | 601 | 0.23% | 0.22% | 0.20% |
Asian alone (NH) | 10,562 | 12,839 | 13,491 | 4.47% | 4.95% | 4.53% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 126 | 103 | 119 | 0.05% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
Other race alone (NH) | 513 | 467 | 1,800 | 0.22% | 0.18% | 0.60% |
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 3,590 | 4,376 | 7,835 | 1.52% | 1.69% | 2.63% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 17,728 | 35,447 | 42,546 | 7.50% | 13.66% | 14.30% |
Total | 236,517 | 259,424 | 297,595 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
At the 2020 United States census, there were 297,595 people, 97,030 households, and 62,746 families residing in the county. In 2000, it had a population of 236,517. [19]
In 2010, the racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 66.1% Black or African American, 18.87% non-Hispanic white, 5.0% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 7.1% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 13.66% of the population. [20] In terms of ancestry, 4.9% were "American". [21] By 2020, its makeup was 68.99% Black or African American, 8.70% non-Hispanic white, 0.20% American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.53% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.60% some other race, 2.63% multiracial, and 14.30% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The last quarter-century has seen significant change in the racial composition of the county's population. In 1980, Clayton county's population was 150,357 — 91% white and 9% minority, [22] while in 2006 the population was approximately 271,240 — 20% white and 80% minority. [23]
In 2010, the median income for a household in the county was $43,311, and the median income for a family was $48,064. Males had a median income of $36,177 and $32,460 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,958. About 13.6% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over. [24] In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $42,697, and the median income for a family was $46,782. Males had a median income of $32,118 versus $26,926 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,079. About 8.20% of families and 10.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
The unemployment rate in Clayton County was 3.4% as of November 2019. Future job growth over the next ten years was predicted to be at 29.90%. Clayton County's sales tax rate is 8.00%. The income tax is 6.00%. Clayton County's income and salaries per capita is $18,735, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $39,699.
ValuJet Airlines was headquartered in northern, unincorporated Clayton County, near Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in the 1990s. [25]
The 50,000-student school system was the first in the nation to lose accreditation since 1969. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) revoked the school district's accreditation on August 28, 2008. [26] It was only the second system in the nation to do so since 1960. A grand jury investigated and considered possible criminal indictments against the Clayton County School Board. At issue was whether the school board committed malfeasance in ignoring the shortcomings of the school system and violating its own rules concerning the awarding of bids of contracts.
School Board Chairwoman Ericka Davis announced her resignation on April 2, 2008, amidst the allegations. Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell called for the resignations of all Clayton County School Board members. [27] Amid controversy and orders for the police to quiet citizens, the Clayton County School Board hired a new temporary superintendent on April 26, 2008. This was despite the fact that the new superintendent did not meet the qualifications set forth by SACS. [28]
The Clayton County Public School System was re-accredited by SACS on May 1, 2009. [29]
Clayton State University is located in Morrow.
The Clayton County Police Department has an authorized strength of 525 personnel headed by Chief Kevin Roberts. [34] Other law enforcement services (courts, jail, warrants) are provided by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office. [35]
On April 26, 2021, Sheriff Victor Hill was indicted on charges of federal civil rights violations. [36] On June 2, 2021, he was suspended by Governor Brian Kemp following a review of the indictment. [37] On October 26, 2022, Sheriff Victor Hill was found guilty of violating civil rights of jail detainees. [38]
For most of the 1960s to the 1980s, Clayton County was a swing county. It voted for Governor Jimmy Carter in 1976 with around 65 percent of the vote, but then voted for Ronald Reagan with over 70 percent of the vote in 1984. However, due to extensive in-migration by Democratic-voting African-Americans from surrounding areas, starting in 1992 Clayton County has swung heavily Democratic and is now one of the most Democratic counties in the country.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 16,877 | 14.98% | 94,203 | 83.62% | 1,571 | 1.39% |
2020 | 15,811 | 14.07% | 95,466 | 84.94% | 1,114 | 0.99% |
2016 | 12,645 | 13.51% | 78,220 | 83.59% | 2,715 | 2.90% |
2012 | 14,164 | 14.72% | 81,479 | 84.67% | 587 | 0.61% |
2008 | 16,506 | 16.59% | 82,527 | 82.93% | 481 | 0.48% |
2004 | 23,106 | 29.01% | 56,113 | 70.46% | 424 | 0.53% |
2000 | 19,966 | 32.52% | 40,042 | 65.21% | 1,394 | 2.27% |
1996 | 20,625 | 37.34% | 30,687 | 55.55% | 3,930 | 7.11% |
1992 | 23,965 | 41.33% | 25,890 | 44.65% | 8,134 | 14.03% |
1988 | 28,225 | 65.43% | 14,689 | 34.05% | 223 | 0.52% |
1984 | 31,553 | 72.84% | 11,763 | 27.16% | 0 | 0.00% |
1980 | 19,160 | 50.35% | 17,540 | 46.10% | 1,351 | 3.55% |
1976 | 12,905 | 37.58% | 21,432 | 62.42% | 0 | 0.00% |
1972 | 23,681 | 86.36% | 3,740 | 13.64% | 0 | 0.00% |
1968 | 8,256 | 35.22% | 3,517 | 15.01% | 11,665 | 49.77% |
1964 | 10,488 | 64.08% | 5,869 | 35.86% | 10 | 0.06% |
1960 | 2,953 | 33.39% | 5,892 | 66.61% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 1,593 | 22.39% | 5,522 | 77.61% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 1,230 | 23.26% | 4,058 | 76.74% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 339 | 10.29% | 2,192 | 66.50% | 765 | 23.21% |
1944 | 245 | 11.81% | 1,828 | 88.14% | 1 | 0.05% |
1940 | 161 | 10.42% | 1,382 | 89.45% | 2 | 0.13% |
1936 | 175 | 11.44% | 1,352 | 88.37% | 3 | 0.20% |
1932 | 35 | 2.49% | 1,361 | 97.01% | 7 | 0.50% |
1928 | 619 | 50.28% | 612 | 49.72% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 46 | 11.68% | 273 | 69.29% | 75 | 19.04% |
1920 | 34 | 6.68% | 475 | 93.32% | 0 | 0.00% |
1916 | 3 | 0.50% | 517 | 86.89% | 75 | 12.61% |
1912 | 3 | 0.54% | 443 | 79.25% | 113 | 20.21% |
1908 | 223 | 38.32% | 248 | 42.61% | 111 | 19.07% |
1904 | 59 | 10.50% | 333 | 59.25% | 170 | 30.25% |
1900 | 179 | 32.02% | 346 | 61.90% | 34 | 6.08% |
1896 | 472 | 46.41% | 516 | 50.74% | 29 | 2.85% |
1892 | 335 | 27.59% | 518 | 42.67% | 361 | 29.74% |
1888 | 224 | 27.05% | 604 | 72.95% | 0 | 0.00% |
1884 | 279 | 35.59% | 505 | 64.41% | 0 | 0.00% |
1880 | 148 | 27.92% | 382 | 72.08% | 0 | 0.00% |
Board of Commissioners | ||
---|---|---|
District | Commissioner | Party |
CHAIR (at-large) | Dr. Alieka Anderson- Henry (chairwoman) | Democratic |
District 1 | Alaina Reaves | Democratic |
District 2 | Gail Hambrick | Democratic |
District 3 | Tashe’ Allen | Democratic |
District 4 | DeMont Davis | Democratic |
Commuter rail service is proposed to serve Clayton County along the Norfolk Southern line, [40] with proposed stations in Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro, and initially ending at Lovejoy.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's Airport station is located in Clayton.
Parts of Margaret Mitchell's epic 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and the famous 1939 motion picture Gone with the Wind were set in Clayton County, including the location of the fictional plantation Tara. Tara Boulevard was named for the plantation; it is the main north–south road through the county, carrying U.S. 41 and lesser-known State Route 3. Parts of the novels Rhett Butler's People and Scarlett and the Scarlett television miniseries also took place in Clayton County. Rhett Butler's People is a prequel, sequel, and companion to Gone with the Wind . Scarlett is a sequel to Gone with the Wind , taking place briefly in Clayton County. The fictional Twelve Oaks Plantation and others mentioned in these novels are located in and around Clayton County. Mitchell's family's plantation Rural Home was located in Clayton County.[ citation needed ]
The 2012 film Flight features Clayton County throughout the film.[ citation needed ]
Parts of the film Smokey and the Bandit were shot in and around Clayton County, namely in Jonesboro, as evidenced by a sign in the background of one of the scenes. Although this particular scene was supposed to be set in Arkansas, a "Willow Bend" sign advertising brick homes in Clayton County can be spotted behind Sheriff George Branford. Many back roads and the movie town of Texarkana are the roads and the town of Jonesboro.[ citation needed ]
Barbour County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,223. Its county seat is Clayton. Its largest city is Eufaula. Its name is in honor of James Barbour, who served as Governor of Virginia.
Whitfield County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census shows a population of 102,864. The county seat is Dalton. The county was created on December 30, 1851, and named after George Whitefield, Methodist evangelist. The "e" was omitted to reflect the pronunciation of his name.
Rabun County is the northeasternmost county in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,883, up from 16,276 in 2010. The county seat is Clayton. With an average annual rainfall of over 70 inches (1,800 mm), Rabun County has the title of the rainiest county in Georgia and is one of the rainiest counties east of the Cascades. The year 2018 was the wettest on record in the county's history. The National Weather Service cooperative observation station in northwest Rabun's Germany Valley measured 116.48 inches of rain during the year. During 2020, the Germany Valley NWS station reported a yearly precipitation total of 100.19 inches.
Henry County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2020 census, the population of Henry County was 240,712, up from 203,922 in 2010. The county seat is McDonough. The county was named for Patrick Henry.
Haralson County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 29,919, up from 28,780 in 2010. The county seat is Buchanan. The county was created on January 26, 1856, and was named for Hugh A. Haralson, a former Georgia congressman.
Hall County is a county in the Northeast region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 203,136, up from 179,684 at the 2010 census. The county seat is Gainesville. The entirety of Hall County comprises the Gainesville, Georgia, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also part of the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs, Combined Statistical Area.
Gwinnett County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. It forms part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, being located about 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Atlanta city limits. In 2020, the population was 957,062, making it the second-most populous county in Georgia. Its county seat is Lawrenceville. The county is named for Button Gwinnett, one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.
Fulton County is a county in the north-central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 1,066,710, making it the state's most populous county. Its county seat and most populous city is Atlanta, the state capital. About 90% of the city of Atlanta is within Fulton County; the remaining portion is in DeKalb County. Fulton County is the principal county of the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metropolitan statistical area.
Cobb County is a county in the U.S. state of Georgia, and is a core county of the Atlanta metropolitan area in the north-central portion of the state. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 766,149. It is the state's third most populous county, after Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Its county seat is Marietta; its largest city is Mableton.
Cherokee County is located in the US state of Georgia. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 266,620. The county seat is Canton. The county Board of Commissioners is the governing body, with members elected to office. Cherokee County is included in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.
Chattooga County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,965. The county seat is Summerville. The county was created on December 28, 1838. Chattooga County comprises the Summerville, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Rome-Summerville Combined Statistical Area. Summerville is the site of the Chattooga County Courthouse. The county is home to several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Catoosa County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2020 census, the population was 67,872. The county seat is Ringgold. The county was created on December 5, 1853. The meaning of the Cherokee language name "Catoosa" is obscure. "Catoosa" may come from the Cherokee words gatusi or gatu'gitse.
Burke County is a county located along the eastern border of the U.S. state of Georgia in the Piedmont. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,596. The county seat is Waynesboro. Burke County is part of the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metropolitan statistical area.
Barrow County is a county located in the East Central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, its population was 83,505. Its county seat is Winder. Barrow County is included in the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metropolitan statistical area.
Bonanza is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. The population was 3,135 at the 2010 census, and 4,406 in 2020.
Forest Park is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. It is located approximately nine miles (14 km) south of Atlanta and is part of the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Marietta metropolitan statistical area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 19,932.
Irondale is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. The population was 8,740 at the 2020 census.
Riverdale is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. The population was 15,129 in 2020. Riverdale is a suburb just south of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The Valdosta metropolitan area, designated the Valdosta metropolitan statistical area by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, is a metropolitan statistical area consisting of four counties—Brooks, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes—centered on the city of Valdosta. Located in Southeast Georgia, the metropolitan area's population was 151,118 according to 2023 U.S. census estimates, up from 149,849 at the 2020 U.S. census.
Cartersville is a city in and the county seat of Bartow County, Georgia, United States; it is located within the northwest edge of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 23,187.